Chapter 5
When Tessa finally arrived, the group barely spared her a glance. Their bodies stayed angled toward Chloe as they chatted, completely ignoring Tessa’s presence. It was clear they were silently judging her.
“Tessa, if only you were as lively and charming as Chloe,” one of them murmured.
“I wish we had a daughter like Chloe — the perfect Luna we’ve been hoping for,” another added with a wistful sigh.
These remarks were nothing new to Tessa; she had heard them countless times before. Over the years, she had grown numb to their dismissive attitudes. She had always kept a distance, never daring to reveal any other side of herself to these people who seemed to reject her so easily.
Chloe, on the other hand, smiled brightly, her voice light and easy as she responded, “Don’t worry, you can treat me like your own daughter.” Then, with a confident grin, she added, “Even if Tessa isn’t the easiest to like, I’ll still do my best to win your favor and continue taking care of the pack.”
Her words flowed so naturally that Rig and Olivia soon joined in the laughter, their faces softening. Nearby, Ryan smiled too, his eyes locked on Chloe with a look of pure admiration—as though she were a priceless treasure, his greatest achievement. Pride shone in his gaze.
Ryan was the second son of the Silver Moon pack, always living in the shadow of his older brother. The pack had long awaited the day his brother would become Alpha, the perfect leader destined to bring prosperity. Everyone expected that once his brother found his mate, they would rule the pack together harmoniously.
But tragedy struck when Ryan met his own mate—she died, and with her loss, his wolf weakened. He sank into despair, spending his days drowning his sorrows in bars, lost in a fog of grief.
Then came Tessa, the so-called perfect Luna, his destined mate. The pack found new hope in her presence, and Ryan finally began to step out from under his brother’s looming shadow. Giving up on Tessa was not an option.
He gently rested his hand on Chloe’s thigh, and they exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles reflecting an unspoken understanding.
She understood him, and that was why he loved her.
Tessa watched the scene silently, her mind drifting elsewhere. All she wanted was to leave. Perhaps no one could truly grasp how she felt, but she loathed moments like this—being sidelined, invisible.
“Tessa, why don’t Alpha and Luna like us?” a small voice asked.
“Clara, it’s not our fault. Don’t be upset,” Tessa replied softly.
“We’ll be okay once we leave this pack,” Clara said with a hopeful tone.
In the past, Ryan had always found excuses to take Tessa away from these painful moments, disregarding what others thought. But now, she looked at him—standing there, doing nothing.
Had he been hiding his feelings so well all along? Or was it that Tessa had only just realized the truth, too late?
As it was time to leave, rain began to fall, gentle at first, then heavier. Chloe, dressed elegantly in a flowing dress and high heels, didn’t even call for Ryan. Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms.
One hand held the umbrella, shielding them both from the rain, while the other wrapped protectively around Chloe. She nestled against him like a small kitten seeking warmth and safety.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Silent Luna's Trial (Maple and Finn)